Meet Firefighter/EMT Brenden Kornell

Where are you stationed?

Fire Station 12 (South Point Road) on the 'C' shift

Looking back at the Recruit Academy, what do you remember the most?

Looking back on Academy, I will always remember the bond and friendships that were built. We were a group of people from all sorts of different backgrounds coming together to be mentally and physically challenged. One thing that really stands out about our first day was sitting in the classroom with Chief Carbon and him telling us that academy is not a competition, that we are here to help one another out, and that we're like a family now.

Why did you want to pursue this career? 

I have always enjoyed helping others, and I also like that it is an active, mentally and physically demanding job as well. Every day is different, and I get a great since of joy and pride riding around in the red rigs helping out in the community.

What was your career prior to MFD? 

Prior to MFD, I worked for a couple different career departments around the county and state. But growing up in Madison, it was always a goal of mine to be a Madison firefighter. I truly could not be happier to put on the uniform every day.

What do you do when you're not working at MFD?

I enjoy anything outside, like hiking or mountain biking. I also love being on the lake fishing or boating. In the winter, I do ski (snowboard) patrol at Cascade Mountain, so that keeps me moving outside in the winter.